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Weblog:   iMac + iBook >= PowerBook?
Subject:   Slightly different configuration
Date:   2004-10-20 08:28:44
From:   tpherndon
I'd like to propose a slightly different configuration for you, and get your reaction to it. Instead of the iMac + iBook, consider a PowerBook + an external monitor (and, optionally, external keyboard and mouse).


For ~$250, you can purchase a very nice 19" CRT monitor. When at home, you have lots and lots of desktop real-estate available -- if you purchase the PowerBook, as only the PowerBook allows monitor spanning (without hacking the iBook firmware and voiding your warranty). Furthermore, if you are feeling parsimonious, you can drop down to the 12" PowerBook. Doing so will save money on the PowerBook, give you a slightly-more-portable solution than the 15" without sacrificing computing power, and still avoid screen restraints. Add in a bluetooth keyboard and mouse, and this arrangement is even easier to use.


Whaddaya think? Sound good, or am I missing something?
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  • Chris Adamson photo Slightly different configuration
    2004-10-21 08:57:27  Chris Adamson | O'Reilly AuthorO'Reilly Blogger [Reply | View]

    Well, let's do the math: add the $250 monitor to the $1999 PowerBook and we're at $2259... just $49 less than the price of the iMac and the iBook combined. And the PowerBook has a much slower CPU (1.33 GHz G4 vs 1.6 GHz G5), slower bus speed (167 MHz vs 533 MHz), smaller and slower hard drive (60 GB 4200 RPM vs 80 GB 7200 RPM). To be fair, the PowerBook has built-in Airport Extreme, and this arrangement does permit monitor spanning (not something I'm interested in, but it has its place).

    Nevertheless, my point is that for a laptop to be a potential desktop replacement, it at least has to be close to its desktop equivalent, and right now, the graying PowerBook line delivers much less capability for much more money than the iMac and PowerMac desktops... so much so that a whole bottom-end laptop, the 12" iBook, can be squeezed in the margin

    -Chris (invalidname)

  • Second
    2004-10-20 09:01:36  mwalker [Reply | View]

    I'd like to second this idea. At work, I have a 12" PB generally hooked to a 17" monitor, with a standard keyboard & mouse. I use the main screen for most things, and I have a small second screen if I need it, and a very portable laptop for travel.

    A 15" screen might be a little better, even for travel (since I don't do work actually _on_ the plane), but my arrangement suits me just fine. I've never found the 12" screen too small to work on.
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